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Trauma-Informed Practice

Implementation and program evaluation of trauma-informed care training across state child advocacy centers: an exploratory study
Kenny, M. C., Vazquez, A., Long, H., & Thompson, D. (2017). Implementation and program evaluation of trauma-informed care training across state child advocacy centers: an exploratory study [Abstract]. Children and Youth Services Review, 73, 15-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.11.030
Abstract from article: “Awareness of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is essential for all professionals employed at child advocacy centers (CAC). This study evaluated the effectiveness of a training program that utilized a modified version of a TIC curriculum accessible through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) among CAC workers in Florida. The workers' TIC knowledge level (n = 203) was examined prior to the training, immediately thereafter, and in a 12-month follow-up. Participants in general had similar levels of TIC knowledge before the training although the knowledge level was significantly affected by race/ethnicity, years of working experience, and educational degree. The results also indicated that participants' TIC knowledge significantly increased after training, with an effect size of 0.71. This increase appeared to be universal among participants. Further, the significant increase still maintained in the 12-month follow-up test. The analysis of participants' responses to two open-ended questions suggested that most participants were satisfied with the program. It is suggested that training efforts need to be conducted frequently to ensure that CAC employees get repeated exposure to the information in order to ultimately improve the services they provide to victims.”

Trauma-Informed Psychological Assessment of Human Trafficking Survivors – Elizabeth K. Hopper
Hopper, E. K. (2017). Trauma-Informed Psychological Assessment of Human Trafficking Survivors [Abstract]. Women & Therapy, 40 (1-2), 12-30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02703149.2016.1205905
Abstract from article: “This article describes a framework for trauma-informed assessment of trafficking survivors that acknowledges the impact of traumatic stress while highlighting survivors’ strengths and supporting their resiliency. It identifies core content areas of a trafficking evaluation and underscores adaptations to the standard process of conducting an assessment. Feedback normalizes symptoms and offers hope, and an experiential element builds survivors’ coping skills and regulatory capacity. A trauma-informed assessment can be the first step in the healing process for many people who have survived trafficking, orienting them towards a path for change and empowering them to face future challenges.”